Islington Tribune - News: Pentonville

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by JAMIE WELHAM
Published: 10 August 2007

Entrance to ‘disgraceful’ HM Prison Pentonville

Pentonville prison slammed by report

INMATES at Pentonville prison are living in “endemic squalor and poverty”, according to a report released yesterday (Thursday).
The Victorian prison, in Caledonian Road, Holloway, is infested with rats and cockroaches, say the prison’s Independent Monitoring Board.
It states that conditions in the 19th Century jail are a “matter of deep shame” for the government.
The report reveals a severe shortage of staff, who are apparently struggling to cope with the 1,127 inmates – double the intended capacity.
Pentonville’s expenditure per prisoner is £22,778 annually, some £2,256 below the national average.
The Independent Monitoring Board is made up of 20 members from the community, who inspect the prison and ensure standards are maintained.
The report described the prison as a place of “endemic squalor and poverty of regime which ought to be a matter of deep shame to government in 21st Century Britain”.
Pat Haynes, who retired from the prison board in 2006 after 30 years service said: “There were cockroaches in the kitchens 100 years ago and there are still cockroaches in the kitchens today.
“Two people are being housed in cells designed for one and the smuggling of mobile phones and drugs has become a huge problem.”
He added: “I think the way the government treats prisoners is getting worse and worse – it’s disgraceful.”
A number of other problems were identified by the report, including inadequate health care for prisoners suffering with mental illnesses, a lack of basic provisions, overstretched reception and a “lamentably poor” library.
Prison governor Nick Leader admitted the prison is facing problems, but believes the report overstates their severity.
He said: “A strengthened management team is urgently addressing the prison’s problems, but it is one of our busiest prisons with one of the highest number of receptions and is operating at maximum capacity.”
“As Governor I accept the our performance is presently not up to the standard we are required to meet.
“But I believe the report has not captured significant improvements that have been delivered or are being planned for implementation this year.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Your Comments: